Demons fully behind Lumumba despite Congo paperwork mishap

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MELBOURNE is fully supportive of Heritier Lumumba despite an overseas paperwork mishap forcing the defender to miss four days of training.

Lumumba was holidaying in the Democratic Republic of Congo in west Africa when a misunderstanding over his paperwork to enter the country forced him to relocated to Kenya while it was being resolved.

Once the matter was sorted, the 29-year-old returned to the Congo where he finished his holiday over the Christmas break.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided advice in accordance with the Consular Services Charter to an Australian man who presented at the Australian High Commission in Kenya. Due to privacy obligations, we are not be able to provide further comment," a DFAT spokesperson told AFL.com.au.

The drama forced Lumumba to miss four days of training due to a delayed arrival back into Australia.

When contacted by AFL.com.au, Melbourne said it was aware of the entire process as it happened, and fully supported the defender.

Lumumba played 19 games in his first season for the Demons after being traded from Collingwood.

He had surgery on both ankles during the off-season and is racing the clock to be available for the start of the season.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs